First Drive

What is it?

The new 3-series coupe, fitted with an uprated version of the twin-turbo diesel engine from the 535d (now with 427lb ft and 282bhp).

What's it like?

Quick. Unless you have iron resolve, this oh-so-tremendously worthy diesel coupé will get you into more trouble than you know how to get out of. The 335d simply demolishes any acceleration interval below three figures – and doesn’t let up much thereafter.

It’ll rev in a very undiesel-like way – a pleasant attribute, but not particularly relevant. The engine’s real weapon is the sledgehammer effect of all that torque through the mid-range and the hushed manner in which it is delivered. The turbo petrol 335i would ultimately be faster, but in a real-world test the diesel is easier to drive quickly, whether intentionally or by accident.

This is partly because the diesel is only available with BMW’s retuned six-speed automatic, which sweeps gearchanges past almost unnoticed and gives you very little against which to benchmark your rapidly escalating speed. Choosing between the petrol and the slightly more expensive diesel is difficult, because both engines perfectly complement the svelte new 3-series coupé.

There isn’t even much difference on the scales – just 30kg, which is not enough to make a discernible difference to the handling on our test. Nor are there any significant distinguishing visual clues; no downturned diesel exhausts here, just two chromed pipes like the turbo petrol.

Should I buy one?

Decently economical (BMW claims 37.7mpg on the combined cycle, and even with the most lead-footed approach we couldn’t get below 25mpg), monumentally strong and suitably sophisticated, the 335d coupé is a dead-cert contender for title of All The Car You’ll Ever Need.

Or it would be, except that it’s possible to get the same engine in 3-series saloon and Touring shells, and it’s the Touring that tempts us most: practical, upmarket and so effortlessly rapid. Just make sure you hang on to your licence long enough to enjoy it.

Join the debate

I have one and it really is a flying machine. The only change I would make would be to fit normal tyres and a space saver. Runflats ruin the ride and handling on rougher British roads and if they get a puncture the stealers want over £300 to replace (we don't repair runflats Sir!).

Between 2000rpm and 4250rpm I have only been in a handful of cars which can overtake more quickly. None of them get close to my average 35mpg!

I have to disagree.I have sold my 335se because of the appalling ride and inability to put the power down. These chipped tractors will be deathtraps in the winter unless an LSD is fitted and your RS4 will be a speck in the distance. As for Company car' well, the three series is the most popular company car so can't buy that.

I completely disagree! I have just disposed of my Audi a5 3.0 tdi quattro and replaced it with a V8 engined Audi S5. Why? The diesel was superb and almost as rapid but it simply did nothing for me in terms of the emotional enjoyment of motoring. As a lover of cars, the sound and feel of an engine has always been a vital element for me. Initially, I felt the tdi could achieve that as the best sounding diesel I had ever heard. But after a year and 10,000 miles it began to leave me cold. Yes, I know the S5 drinks fuel by comparison but I think that cost is worth it. The engine is creamy and makes the best noise I have ever heard from a V8, as well as giving instant response and solid delivery throughout the power range which runs to 7500 rpm. Oh, and why an audi and not a 335i? Simple. As a previous dedicated disciple of BMW the arrival of Chris Bangle changed everything as he introduced a range of the ugliest cars I have ever seen (eg the 1 series which looks like a warthog on steroids, the 3 series saloon a bread bin which has been kicked around on a council estate etc). OK the coupe is to me the best looking but it is utterly bland compared to the Audi. And to cap it all, he turned their interiors into an environment you wouldn't expect to find on a vauxhall nova. Sure, they are probably still in extremis the best to drive (just) but, in the real world, most people wouldn't know the difference, so why miss out on the obvious advantage of 4 wheel drive?

A friend of mine is only getting 7,000 miles out of his tyres on a 335d. BMW aren't interested in the problem yet he doesn't seem to drive it particularly hard. Do other owners have similar experiences?